The 2013 BMW X1 is almost ready to make its American debut. The 5-passenger SUV will slot in under the X3 when it goes on sale in this fall. The BMW X1 has been a popular SUV in global markets, and furthers the trend of downsizing premium vehicles. The 2013 X1 will be available with rear- or all-wheel drive, and will offer the choice of a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine. Like the other X models in BMW's lineup, the new X1 is meant to be a versatile, quick and plush vehicle that is comfortable on a variety of road surfaces.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a small SUV with luxury amenities and European badge appeal, the BMW X1 may just be your ticket. The 2013 X1 also promises better fuel economy and spunkier performance than larger SUVs.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Need room for more than five passengers or just something more child-seat friendly with room for extras? The X1 might be a little too compact. Also keep in mind that the X1's price can easily balloon by several thousand dollars with a few options.

What's New for 2013

The 2013 BMW X1 is an all-new vehicle to the U.S. market, and its introduction here coincides with an update of the X1 in other countries. BMW's smallest SUV will feature fuel-saving technology such as Brake Energy Regeneration and, for 4-cylinder models, automatic start/stop engine management that automatically shuts off the engine at idle.

Driving the X1

Driving Impressions
BMW's tagline – "The Ultimate Driving Machine" - is no joke and despite the fact that it's an SUV, the X1 is no exception. The little crossover effectively...

blurs the line between being a comfortable low-speed cruiser and a high-speed corner carver as it's plush enough for the daily drive, but can handle any turn with graceful agility. The X1's smaller size and lighter weight make it feel exceptionally more agile than its X3 bigger brother and athletic prowess makes for a far more exciting drive as compared to the Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Favorite Features

2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED ENGINEWhile a powerful 6-cylinder is available, we look favorably on the 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder because its potent enough to move this crossover to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds while returning stellar fuel economy numbers (34 mpg highway).

The X1 is available with all the accoutrements you'd expect in a BMW luxury vehicle. Among the options are high-quality leather upholstery, navigation, a hi-fi sound system, and panoramic glass roof. One particularly interesting feature is an app that lets iPhone owners use Internet-based services such as streaming audio or access to Facebook and Twitter feeds. Though considered a subcompact, BMW says the X1 offers 47.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second-row 40/20/40 seats folded. That's enough to hold two 46-inch golf bags, the German automaker says. With seats up, there is 12.7 cubic feet of storage, comparable to the trunk of a car.

Exterior

Not surprisingly, the 2013 X1 SUV's exterior looks familiar to anyone who has seen its slightly bigger brother, the X3. Up front is BMW's signature kidney grille, while a high beltline wraps the sides. The rear of the vehicle is distinguished by a horizontal pane of glass above the rest of the hatch's metal, and a thick bumper and prominent undertray below.

X1 models can be further outfitted with a harman/kardon surround-sound system with satellite radio, distance control with a rearview camera to aid with parking, and a collision-warning system. The M Sport package offers a sport suspension, sport seats and wood or aluminum interior trim.

Under the Hood

The 2013 BMW X1 offers a choice of two gasoline engines. The base engine is a turbocharged 4-cylinder that is good for 240 horsepower and is linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine propels rear-wheel-drive sDrive28i models from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 6.2 seconds, while xDrive28i all-wheel-drive versions with that engine do it in 6.3 seconds, BMW says. In addition to making the X1 quick, the engine helps rear-wheel-drive models attain up to 34 mpg on the highway.

The second engine option is a stronger, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder good for 300 horsepower. That engine uses a 6-speed automatic transmission and powers all-wheel-drive xDrive35i models. BMW says that potent version of the X1 goes 0-60 mph in a scant 5.3 seconds.

"My new 2015 sDrive28i is SUPERB. My needs and wants in descending order: comfortable high seating, euro firm steering, weight and safety in an accident, 360 degree visibility, fast 0-60, good fuel mpg, clean well thought out lines of exterior and interior, and moderate cargo storage. I am 6'-0" tall, 180 lbs, and the X1 is very easy and comfortable to get in and out of on a daily basis (instead of hitting my head and straining my back with the low door and seat height of the MB GLA or Audi Q3: ok if your 5'-2" to 5'-8") The X1 has had strong engine performance at all speeds, good reliable braking, and excellent handling. Good interior cargo spatial versatility. The dashboard and instrument panel is viewed and used the most by any driver and the X1 is beautifully laid out and intuitive. The NAV is large at 8.8", and an A+ in ease of use, functionality, and being seamlessly incorporated within the dash (instead of contrived, small, and plopped on top the dash as if it were a cheap after thought of design.) Front leg and head room is very good. My X1 included Power memory seats, Technology Package, Driver Assistance Package, and Lighting Package (all for $34,000) has high value for the price, and has been great for my Southern California city and highway driving. Reliability --- it never disappoints and has lived up to all my needs and expectations."

"I have 2013 sdrive X1. Premium package and climate package. After 36000 miles and 31 months it has never skipped a beat. I use the recommended premium fuel and have never gotten less than 25.5 mpg in town and consistently get 35-36 mpg on the road in very hilly country. I typically get 27.5 to 28 mpg in town using the eco drive and automatic start stop. There are very winding roads here and handling is superior. The engine idle is noisy, but the engine is smooth and powerful (N20) once moving. I follow all BMW recommendations. Best car I have ever owned."

"Rides like my 1936 Sunbeam motorcycle; performs like my 1938 500cc BSA Goldstar!
Like the split screen display and the multi gigabite music storage.
The sport seats are very comfortable and adjustable to fit all sizes. Would have liked a powered rear hatch.
Mileage could be better (20 around town) but my wife says that I have a lead foot!"

"Nice looking vehicle. Handles well and has great pick up. Negatives are that you'll feel very bump in the road and gas mileage doss t come close to highway estimate even when you drive mostly highway. Nice vehicle but you'd probably be better off choosing the Acura RDX"

Loved it until it died at 18,000 miles

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

2/10

Value

3/10

Reliability

1/10

Quality

1/10

Performance

8/10

Styling

8/10

Comfort

8/10

Pros: "fun sporty small SUV"

Cons: "Unreliable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I loved the X1 one for what it was- a small SUV (SAV) with room for the kids, their stuff and it was fun to drive. I bought it as an Elite CPO with about 9,000 miles- it was the loaner car. I have a 2006 325 convertible and love BMW performance and style. On a business trip, after owning the X1 for 5 months and having a total of 18,477 miles on it, the computer software that controlled the engine went bad and caused damage to parts of the engine. I had just had it serviced 5 days before (routine oil change/filter). I left that X1 at the dealership and traded it for BMW SAV (not another X1 model). Love BMWs, not a fan of the X1 and I will not buy a new to market BMW model (I think that the X1 has been in the US for 2 years) again!"